There's also a major university there, Ken Griffin just moved Citadel hedge fund down there, and the technology entrepreneurial landscape is opening up as well.

Since the price of a multi unit is double or sometimes 3x the price of a single family home, would it be smart to start off with a SFH and scale up from there or just make the leap into a duplex that I can force some appreciation with minor repairs.

I am looking for some help and advice on whether or not this property seems like a smart first investment. 

Hi Geoff,In my opinion, keeping your current home as a rental property could be a smart move.

Also, would a home warranty be a smart move?

When I was buying 1/2 price homes not ONE person I talked to said it was smart.

@Brandon Morgan An LLC isn’t always necessary, but it can be a smart move for liability protection and separating personal and business finances.

It’s definitely smart to evaluate the tax and cost implications of your funding options.

Being new I would suggest started with existing builds but building small multifamily in a small town with a rental shortage could be a smart move (someone's gotta do it).

Hey @Brett Riemensnider,A HELOC could be a smart move if you want to tap into your home's equity while keeping it.